This position is located in the Benefits Review Board. The Board, consisting of Members appointed by the Secretary of Labor, is an independent adjudicatory body with exclusive nationwide jurisdiction to consider and decide appeals raising substantial questions of law or fact taken by any party-in-interest from decisions with respect to claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions, and the Black Lung Benefits Act (the Acts).

Duties

This position is inside the bargaining unit. Position subject to a 5-day minimum on-site work requirement. Independently performs a complete, intensive legal review and examination of complex case records and the issues presented on appeal; performs research in connection with the records and the issues presented on appeal; reviews and analyzes the arguments that the parties raise regarding the law and the facts of each case; and drafts and submits recommended decisions. Reviews testimony, medical evidence, other exhibits, and hearing records, together with administrative law judges' final decisions and briefs of counsel. Researches statutes, regulations, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities on the points of law involved and analyzes their application to the case. May prepare a case analysis memorandum, providing a proposed disposition of the issues raised on appeal and a recommended disposition in the case. In this situation, presents recommended disposition to a panel of the Board, either through a written memorandum or oral presentation. Participates in conferences in certain complex cases with the full Board and supervisory attorneys. Similarly, attends and provides support in oral arguments, where the parties appear before the Board in novel cases or where clarification is essential to the case disposition. Prepares a written decision and order for the Board Members' approval and signatures. As directed, may assist Members in their preparation of a dissenting or concurring opinion. As instructed, redrafts memoranda or decisions and orders following review by supervisory attorneys or Members. When further consultation or justification is required, confers with and advises the Board Members on assigned cases that involve new law and establish new precedent. Such advice often requires extended discussions of the legal issues involved, presentation of facts out of which the legal issues arose, and examination of the effects of a particular proposed decision upon general interpretation of the Acts, in light of congressional intent.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Requires a trial period if the requirement has not been met.
• Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.

Qualifications

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. To qualify for an attorney position, applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S.; and have acquired the amount of experience indicated below. For GS-13 grade level, applicants must have two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience, post-law school, of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. Specialized Experience: Prior experience as a law clerk or staff attorney to an appellate body, service on law review, publication of an article or note in a legal periodical, and honors or awards for academic or professional performance are also desirable. Competitive candidates will have demonstrated good judgment, sound reasoning, and critical thinking. NOTE: An LL.M. may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience. Applicants also must supply the following documents below. Bar Certificate: Be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S. Transcripts: You must provide a copy of your law school transcript to be considered for this position. Verification of your academic degree(s) is necessary to determine your qualifications or eligibility for this position, you will be required to submit an official transcript for verification purposes before you are hired. However, unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application phase of the process. Please note that your J.D. or LL. B degree must be conferred before you can begin working. Writing Sample: In addition to your transcripts you must also provide an unedited legal writing sample that is no more than ten (10) pages long with your application in order to receive further consideration.

Education

An LL.B or J.D. is a requirement for this position. If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.

Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Secretary of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 US
• Name: Nekeysha Garcia
• Phone: 404-302-5863
• Email: [email protected]